A sister ship to the Kanowna which sunk under 'mysterious cir***stances' (faulty navigation or insurance scam?) and whose wreck was only recently discovered in a relatively intact condition.
The twin screw steamer "Kyarra" started her passenger service on the Australian coast in the first months of 1904. She ran between Sydney and Fremantle via Melbourne, Adelaide and Albany.The "Kyarra" was taken over as a troop-ship in 1914 and was sunk in June 1918 while on duty as a hospital ship. Six lives were lost.
"Kyarra" was built by William Denny & Bros of Dumbarton.
Kyarra's sister "Kanowna" survived her sister by about nine years. She foundered after running onto rocks off Cleft Island, near Wilsons Promontory. No lives were lost but "Kanowna" with her bottom ripped out drifted off the the rocks and sank on 18th February 1929.
"Kanowna" master, Captain Newburry was reprimanded for steaming too fast in poor visibility (about 12 kts), however he was officially complimented for his efforts to save the ship and for the "disciplined and effective way" he saved all his passengers and crew.
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